Headgear with routed cooling airflow

ABSTRACT

A headgear apparatus, which permits the flow of air through as conduit embedded within the interior of said apparatus. The device is a flexible comb-like arrangement, contoured to the general shape of a person&#39;s scalp. The teeth of the comb are constructed with outlets, permitting the passage of air from the embedded conduit through the outlets. Airflow is initiated and maintained by an electrically-driven miniature fan within a control unit, and propelled through the conduit. The apparatus may be further equipped with a coolant within the control unit to lower the temperature of air that is propelled through the conduit. A different embodiment of the device is fitted with control mechanisms to regulate the volume of airflow and to measure the temperature of the air being directed to the conduit.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER, PROGRAM LISTING APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The inventive concept presented herein is concerned with devices used to provide comfortable cooling to the human body, particularly in those situations involving moderate or greater physical exertion. Common methods used to provide cooling to persons functioning in hot environments include large-sized ambient air-generating fans, misting sprays, refrigerating apparatuses, and others. These methods either direct cool airflow toward the person affected by the heat, or provide the cooling effect of evaporating, water. Generally all of the previously mentioned solutions are too bulky or heavy to function effectively for persons who are constantly on the move or in an outdoor environment where such devices are impracticable or unwieldy.

(2) Description of the Related Art, Including Information Disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 1.98 Reveals the Following Documents

U.S. Pat. No. 6,115,846 (Sep. 12, 2000) Headgear combined with binoculars, a headset, and a fan. The binoculars are mounted on the brim of the headgear using a hinge so the they can be placed above the brim while not in use. The headset contains earphones that are independently rotatable and may be placed out of the was while not in use. On top of the crown of the headgear a fan is mounted to blow on the user to keep him/her cool.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,940,880 (Aug. 24, 1999); A flexible water container carried on the back of a user during exercise. Connected to the water container is a tube to conduct the water to an irrigation system positioned within a helmet or about the head of the user. A pressurized air bladder is positioned adjacent to the water container in a manner such that pressure forces water from the water container into the tube and thus into the irrigation system. The air bladder is inflatable by a hand pump connected to the bladder through a flexible tube. The irrigation system surrounds the head of the user and further includes a soft, flexible wick material worn about the head for conducting water evenly about the user's head.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,740,556 (Apr. 21, 1998) Headgear comprising an absorbing forehead perspiration collector and discharge device using primarily impermeable materials comprising a soft pliable absorbing body that features a fluid barrier with absorption apertures. The extremities of the absorbing body has a junction with a pair of attachable conduit assemblies being the means for fluid discharge. The pliable absorbing body member envelops an absorbent material which serves to block and absorb forehead perspiration flow. When sweaty fluids reach excessive levels in the absorbing body they flow out through the attached conduit assemblies. The conduit assemblies also serve to secure the device to the wearer's head, achieved by sliding elastic cord retainers.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,781,932 (Jul. 21, 1998); A forehead perspiration collector and discharger constructed primarily of various sizes of vinyl or rubber tubing. The larger sized tube of the device having absorption apertures rests upon the wearer's forehead for taking in perspired fluids whereby the smaller tubes direct any contained excess fluids out to the rear discharge site. An elastic cord is joined to sliding cord retainers which rides over the tubular sides of the device which serves as an adjustable enclosure for securing to a wearer's head

U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,121 (Nov. 24, 1998) A cooling cap or helmet containing at least one and, ordinarily, several air funnels which ventilate a sports mans scalp during the sports activity, e.g., running or jogging, cycling, etc. The air funnels have downward flow through apertures or through ducts, The flexible funnels can be removed for cleaning or replacement. An added advantage is the massaging of the scalp during the use of the air funnel containing cap or helmet.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,998,415 (Mar. 12, 1991); Body cooling apparatus for removing body or external heat in an environment where sufficient cooling by perspiration is not available. The apparatus includes a compressor and a condenser which feeds liquid coolant to a flexible tube network which is held adjacent the body to be cooled, The cooling takes place by the boiling of the liquid within the flexible tube network. The flow of liquid into the network is controlled depending upon the amount of cooling needed.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,521,922 (Jun. 11, 1985); A non-dripping sweat band that encircles the user's head between the hairline and eyebrows with loose ends secured by quick release fasteners behind the user's head. The band has a tube-like body formed by a porous cloth cover which is bias cut to form panels on each side of a lengthwise fold. The assembly is turned inside out whereby the cloth cover is exterior of the tubular batting material which extends between the temples. The band is pulled into a flat belt-like band across the user's brow so as to wick sweat sideways away from the eyes and towards the sideburns where excess perspiration can be released,

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventive concept, entitled, “Keep it Cool,” is an apparatus comprising a. headgear unit and a control unit, which cooperatively provide for the flow of air through the interior of the headgear. The headgear is effective in preventing or reducing perspiration in the hair and/or scalps of persons who are active due to physical exercise, working in the sun, outdoor recreation, or who may suffer hormonal issues. There is an endless list of activities engaged in by people wherein a scalp/hair cooling mechanism such as disclosed, would provide a certain amount of comfort or relief from overheated body temperatures.

The device may be battery powered or driven by common ac current from a wall outlet The headgear portion of the device has a flexible comb-like arrangement, wherein the teeth of the comb are constructed with internal conduits allowing the passage of air through the interior of the teeth. The air is expelled through spaced openings of the teeth. The overall design of the headgear comprises a semi-circular contour to comfortably fit over the shape of a human scalp. A distribution tube connects the headgear teeth with a compact control unit, which unit may be fastened to the wearer's clothing. Airflow is initiated by a miniature fan within the control unit, and the airflow is then routed through the distribution tube and into the conduits of the headgear teeth.

The apparatus is adaptable to outfitting with a cool un within the control unit so as to substantially reduce the temperature of air that is propelled into the conduits of the teeth. An embodiment of the device may be equipped with control mechanisms to regulate both the volume of airflow and the temperature of the air being circulated through the conduits. The headgear and teeth are made from a suitable elastomeric material. The headgear is easily bent or flexed in order to fit the contour oldie average shaped head.

Nomenclature for Invention Parts. 1. Control unit 2. Distribution tube 3. Connector 4. On-off switch 5. Temperature indicator 6. Casing 7. Mounting clip 8. Battery 9. Positive terminal 10. Negative terminal 11. Wiring 12. Electric motor 13. Shaft 14. Fan 15. Intake 16. Plenum 17. Outlet 18. Teeth 19. Spines 20. Flexible comb 21. Downflow conduit 22. Headgear 23. Upflow conduit 24. Clothing 25. Counduit bend 26. Switch terminal 27. Front end 28. Second end

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 displays the complete apparatus, including the control unit, distribution tube, and the comb headgear.

FIG. 2 illustrates the device as would be worn by a user.

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the control unit with the access door opened.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the comb headgear, displaying the outlets in the peaks of the teeth of the headgear.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a typical bend area of one spine of the headgear, as determined by the section line 4A-4A.

FIG. 5 illustrates the structure and path of conduits internal to the teeth of the headgear.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objects, features, and advantages of the concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawings. The drawings, totaling five figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures.

The discussion of the inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1, which illustrates the entire device, including the control unit 1, the distribution tube 2, and the headgear 22. The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises a control unit 1 having a temperature indicator 5 and a rotary on-off switch 4. The distribution tube 2 serves to confine and direct air currents driven from a fan 14 (not shown) internal to the control unit 1 into the headgear 22. The headgear 22 comprises a flexible comb 20 having a plurality of windings which form inner tips or teeth 18 and outer tips or spines 19. The flexible comb 20 may be comprised of any of a variety of materials having elastomeric characteristics, including, but not limited to plastic, fiberglass, rubber, silicon, vinyl, PCV, and the like.

FIG. 2 shows the manner in which the headgear 22 may be worn by a user. The flexible comb 20 is shown as having its entire length entwined within strands of hair of the user. The connector 3 is affixed to the distribution tube 2 which itself extends from the control unit 1. The control unit 1 may be affixed to an item of clothing 24 of the wearer, as shown.

FIG. 3 depicts a view of the control unit 1 of the device after removing a form-fitting casing access door. The access door of the casing 6 is constructed of the same perimetral dimensions as the overall control unit 1. As can be seen, airflow for the device is provided by operation of a mini-fan 14, which is connected by a drive shaft 13 to a small electric motor 12. In the embodiment shown, the electric motor 12 is powered by a small battery 8, preferably of 9-volt capacity. For on-off switching, there is a switch terminal 26 affixed to the electric motor 12, which when the casing access door is closed, makes contact with the exterior control unit 1 switch 4. The battery It is held in position by a dual-pronged mounting clip 7. The positive terminal 9 and the negative terminal 10 of the battery 8 conduct the direct current of the battery 8 through a lead wire 11 directly to the electric motor 12

In other embodiments, electrical power for the device may be alternatively supplied by an adapter which receives household alternating current and converts the current, into suitable direct current for the electric motor 12.

Upon receiving adequate electric current, the electric motor 12 powers the fan 14 which draws ambient air from a filtered, and restricted intake 15 into a small receiving plenum 16. The plenum 16 is directly connected to a distribution tube 2 by means of a connector at the first end 27 of the distribution tube 2. The distribution tube 2 then leads to the device's headgear 22 where an airtight connection is made to a connector 3 corresponding to the location of the initial end of device's conduits 21, 23. The entirety of the control unit 1 is enclosed in a semi-rigid casing 6. The mounting clip 7 is affixed to the inner surface of the casing 6 to provide a secure fit for the battery 8.

In viewing FIG. 4, there is observed an enlarged view of the flexible comb 20 section of the headgear 22. The undulating structure of the comb 20 features a plurality of teeth 18 which serve the purpose of engaging the hair or a wearer when the device is in use. At the opposite end of each tooth 18 is an arcuate spine 19 which connects successive teeth. The connected series of teeth 18 and spines 19 form the entirety of the flexible comb 20 segment of the headgear 22. Also shown in FIG. 4 is a plurality of outlets 17, one within each of the teeth 18 shown.

In turning to FIG. 4A, as determined by the section line 4A-4A, there is shown a cross-sectional view of a typical peak of one tooth 18 of the headgear 22, including a conduit bend 25 as determined by the section line 4A-4A of FIG. 4.

In FIG. 5, there is depicted the hidden structure and path of the downflow conduits 21, and upflow conduits 23 internal to the teeth 18 of the headgear. Typical outlets 17 are also shown. FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are drawn with the convention of airflow being propelled, by the control unit 1 fan 14, from the left side of each figure to the right side of the figure. Each outlet 17 allows a certain volume of air currents to he expelled from the downflow conduit 21, just after the air reaches the conduit bend 25. The expelled air then flows proximate the scalp of the wearer of the headgear 22. All un-expelled air then continues to flow through the upflow conduit 23 within the spine 19 and to the next successive outlet 17.

The control unit 1 is adaptable to outfitting a small compartment within the plenum 16, said compartment suitable for containing a refrigerant, such as dry ice, frozen gel polymers, or the like. In this manner, as the fan 14 propels air from the plenum 16, the distribution tube 2 receives an at a substantially lower temperature than the intaken ambient air. A different embodiment of the deice may be equipped with a variable-speed on-off switch so as to gain control over the volume of air propelled into the conduits 21, 23 of the device. Other embodiments may further be equipped with a temperature gauge to indicate the temperature of air entering the distribution tube 2. The headgear 22, teeth 18, and spines 19 are made from a suitable elastomeric material. The comb 20 is easily bent or flexed in order to fit the contour of the average person's head.

While preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, and by no means limited by the scope of the claims presented herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, head-wearable apparatus for delivering channeled air currents directly onto the scalp and hair of a wearer, the apparatus comprising: a control unit, being an enclosed casing having a casing access door, an air intake port, as fan for propelling and pressurizing in-taken air, a plenum which houses said fan, electrical wiring circuitry connecting said fan and an electrical power source, an on-off electrical switch, terminals, and an integral spring-loaded clip for retention of a direct current battery; a distribution tube having a first end attached in an airtight manner to an opening in said plenum for receiving air pressurized in said plenum, and a second end serving as an outlet for said propelled air; a headgear section comprising an arcuate, elastomeric comb, said comb having undulations which form a plurality of successively interconnected teeth and spines, said elastomeric comb further having an initial end and a terminal end; a flexible, continuous conduit, having an open end co-located with the initial end of said elastomeric comb, and a closed end, corresponding to the terminal end of said elastomeric comb, said conduit embedded interiorly to said teeth and spines, wherein said conduit further manifests an outlet through each of said respective teeth, said outlet ported directly from the conduit; a spring-loaded, dual-pronged retainer for retention of a battery; and a hollow connector, being as closed-in body consisting of a straight channel having an entry end and a discharge end; wherein said hollow connector is attached, at its entry end to the second end of said distribution tube, and at its discharge end to a point co-located with the initial end of said elastomeric comb and the open end of said conduit thereby allowing the channeling of air propelled by said Fan into said conduit and the expelling of certain volumes of air through said conduit outlets.
 2. A portable, head-wearable apparatus for delivering channeled air currents directly onto the scalp and hair of a wearer, the apparatus comprising: a control unit, being an enclosed casing having a casing access door, an air intake port, a fan for propelling and pressurizing in-taken air, a variable-speed switch for regulating the rotational speed of said fan, and a plenum which houses said fan, electrical wiring circuitry connecting said fan and an electrical power source, a variable-resistance electrical switch, terminals, and an integral spring-loaded clip for retention of a direct current battery; a distribution tube having a first end attached in an airtight manner to an opening in said plenum for receiving air pressurized in said plenum, and a second end serving as an outlet for said propelled air; a headgear section comprising an arcuate, elastomeric comb, said comb having undulations which form a plurality of successively interconnected teeth and spines, said elastomeric comb further having an initial end and a terminal end; a flexible, continuous conduit, having an open end co-located with the initial end of said elastomeric comb, and a closed end, corresponding to the terminal end of said elastomeric comb, said conduit embedded interiorly to said teeth and spines, wherein said conduit further manifests an outlet through each of said respective teeth, said outlet ported directly from the conduit; a spring-loaded, dual-pronged retainer for retention of a battery; and a hollow connector: being a closed-in body consisting of a straight channel having an entry end and a discharge end; wherein said hollow connector is attached at its entry end to the second end of said distribution tube, and at its discharge end to a point co-located with the initial end of said elastomeric comb and the open end of said conduit, thereby allowing the channeling of air propelled by said ran into said conduit and the expelling of certain volumes of air through said conduit outlets.
 3. An apparatus as in claim 1 or claim 2, further containing within said plenum, a compartment for containment of a packaged quantity of dry ice, gel pack, frozen polymer, or similar refrigerant. 